Derby County will look to maintain their 100 per cent home record when they face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

The Rams' last league outing at Pride Park saw them dramatically come from behind to beat 10-man Peterborough United 2-1. Substitute David McGoldrick netted a 92nd-minute winner after Jason Knight had equalised.

Liam Rosenior's side made it five home wins in all competitions on Tuesday, beating League Two Grimsby Town 3-1 in the Papa John's Trophy.

The Pilgrims won 2-0 at home against Bolton Wanderers in their previous League One fixture, courtesy of goals from Niall Ennis and Ryan Hardie.

Steven Schumacher's men beat Bristol Rovers 4-3 on penalties in their Papa John's Trophy encounter after drawing 1-1 in normal time.

Derby are sixth going into Saturday's game, three points behind league leaders Portsmouth, while Plymouth are one point above the Rams in fifth.

  • Team news

Derby County

Rams captain Curtis Davies (quad muscle) and fellow centre-back James Chester (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Midfielder Korey Smith (toe) will also miss out, while goalkeeper Joseph Anang (arm) is set to be absent until at least the end of September.

19-year-old striker William Osula joined on a season-long loan from Sheffield United on transfer deadline day and is available for selection.

Plymouth Argyle

Pilgrims trio Mickel Miller (thigh), Conor Grant (calf), and James Bolton (foot) are expected to remain sidelined.

Forward Sam Cosgrove could make his debut, having joined on a season-long loan from Birmingham City before Thursday's deadline.

  • Likely lineups

Derby County

Wildsmith; Knight, Stearman, Cashin, Forsyth; Bird, Hourihane; Mendez-Laing, Sibley, Barkhuizen; Collins.

Plymouth Argyle

Cooper; Lonwijk, Scarr, Galloway; Edwards, Houghton, Butcher, Mumba; Azaz, Mayor; Ennis.

  • Key players

Jason Knight

Predominantly a midfielder, Knight has been playing right-back for Derby this campaign due to a lack of options.

The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international has still been performing well and scored his first goal of the season in last week's win against Peterborough.

After Derby's 1-0 win against Oxford United in their League One opener, interim boss Rosenior said: "He showed what he is about and whatever you ask Jason Knight to do, he will do it at the highest level he possibly can. He epitomises what I want. He is a manager's dream and was outstanding."

The Rams did not sign a right-back on Thursday despite Rosenior not ruling it out, but he said: "If we don't sign a right-back I am so comfortable. Jason Knight has been playing really well there and winning man of the match pretty much every time he plays."

There was speculation Knight could leave Derby during the summer transfer window. Rams fans will be delighted he remains at the club.

 

Bali Mumba

20-year-old full-back Mumba joined Plymouth on a season-long loan from Norwich City in July.

He moved to the Canaries during the 2020 summer transfer window from Sunderland, where he made five first-team appearances, making his debut aged 16.

The youngster appeared in the Premier League for Norwich last August, coming off the bench in a 5-0 defeat away to Manchester City.

But that was his only outing of the season before being loaned to relegated Peterborough in January.

After signing for Plymouth, Mumba said their supporters played a part in attracting him to the club.

He explained: “I saw in the previous games, the fans, how passionate they are. That’s something I am used to. I like passionate fans, people who care. That motivates me and gives me the love for the game.

I used to be a fan myself, so I know what it is like. When I’m playing, I get motivated by that, and look to give my all and do well."

So far this campaign, he has scored one goal while providing two assists for the Pilgrims.

 

  • Match details

Where is the game being played?

The match will take place at Derby's Pride Park Stadium, which has a capacity of 33,597.

Over 2,000 Plymouth supporters will be in attendance.

What time is kick-off?

Saturday's game will kick off at 15:00 BST.

How can I watch?

Supporters outside of the UK and Ireland can watch the action on Rams TV or Argyle TV, with passes costing £10.

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